#24 Argument Performance Task: Mr. Van Daan

Your Assignment: Write a multi-paragraph argumentative essay discussing whether or not Mr. Van Daan's actions can be justified given the context of their situation during the Holocaust. Consider the following points in your essay:

• The Nature of Human Instincts: Analyze how hunger and fear can influence decision-making. Refer to the article "Hunger and the Brain" to explore the psychological effects of starvation on individuals.
• The Ethics of Survival: Discuss the moral implications of Mr. Van Daan's theft. Use evidence from the dramatic version of "The Diary of Anne Frank" to illustrate the tension between individual needs and the responsibilities of being a good roommate to the other residents of the annex.
• Patterns of Behavior: Examine whether Mr. Van Daan's actions can be seen as a reflection of broader societal issues during the Holocaust. Incorporate insights from the article "Repeat Offenders" to understand how stress and trauma can lead to desperate actions.
• Historical Context: Provide a context for the choices made by individuals during the Holocaust. Utilize information from "Life During the Holocaust" and “The Diary of Anne Frank” to detail the struggles faced by those in hiding and the difficult moral decisions they had to make.

Using the dramatic version of “The Diary of Anne Frank” along with the research sources provided, write a multi-paragraph argumentative essay arguing whether or not Mr. Van Daan should be removed from the annex. 

Establish an argumentative claim with reasoning, address potential counterarguments, and support your claim using the sources you have read. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the sources. Be sure to reference the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources.